A LONDON FAMILY GUIDE
The Cutty Sark, located in Greenwich, London is a fantastic activity for both kids and adults to enjoy. This guide will tell you all you need to know and give you tips to make it a memorable experience for the whole family!
Jump aboard the last surviving clipper ship, originally used to transport cargos of tea crates at top speed from China back to London. The Cutty Sark was one of the fastest of its kind, powered only by its huge masts and giant sail.
During your visit, you’ll learn the history and what life would have been like aboard this amazing ship.
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I always recommend buying tickets from a company such as Get Your Guide as they offer free cancellation at no extra cost. Part of the Cutty Sark is outside. It rained during our first visit and it is best explored on a dry day!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Getting There: The Cutty Sark has its own stop on the DLR (part of the tube system). It’s called Cutty Sark and is just a couple of minutes’ walk. Greenwich Train Station is only a 9-minute train from London Bridge and then a short walk to the Cutty Sark. Both of these are accessible stations.
Entry: Tickets cost £20 for adults, £10 for children and under 4’s are free. I have a great money-saving tip if you have kids under 5, scroll down to read more!
Accessibility: The Cutty Sark is spread over 4 levels. There is a pushchair (stroller) parking area on the bottom level, you will need to leave your pushchair there while exploring. All the levels are accessible by the lift (elevator). If you have a pre/early walker, I would advise taking a baby carrier.
Eating: The Cutty Sark has its own cafe located on the lower level. They have a good selection of food, including afternoon tea and kids’ lunch boxes. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants within a few minutes walk. Or the option of a picnic in Greenwich Park.
FAMILY GUIDE TO THE CUTTY SARK WITH LITTLE KIDS
PICK UP AN ACTIVITY SHEET
We didnt see this until the end (lucky you’re reading this guide!) but there’s a very cute activity booklet you can get free from the front desk. It has lots of fun facts and things for kids to find onboard.
START IN THE DRY DOCK
Take the elevator down to the dry dock. This is where you’ll park your pushchair (if you have one). This is also where the toilets and cafe are so use them if needed.
My 15-month-old is obsessed with the figureheads (and has been since we moved to London when he was 10 months old.) He just loves to look at them and wave! There are also a couple of hands-on things for kids here.
WORK YOUR WAY UP
Work your way through the lower hold and then up to the ‘Tween Deck. Both these levels are inside and have lots of hands-on activities for kids to enjoy. Some like this shape sorter are aimed at little kids but there are also some, such as this video game, that older children will enjoy.
THE MAIN DECK
The main deck is at the top level of the ship. From here you can see beautiful views of the river Thames. You can also go inside the cabins and learn about what life on the ship would have been like.
There are a few steep steps here so keep a close eye on little kids, especially if you have a young toddler or one who likes to run off!
DON’T MISS THE DRESSED-UP CHARACTERS
Somehow we managed to miss them! So don’t make the same mistake. At weekends, (11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm) they have actors dressed like the crew of the ship. This is a really fun and interactive way for kids to be entertained and learn at the same time!
SHIPMATES CLASS (PLUS MONEY SAVING TIP)
Did you know the Cutty Sark has a class aimed at toddlers? If you have an under 5, you can do this class for just £5 per child. Accompanying adults are free and after the class, you’re free to explore the Cutty Sark for as long as you like for no additional cost!
I did this class with my boys aged 4 years and 15 months and we really enjoyed it. Ages 2-5 will probably get the most out of it. My younger one had just started walking and his main goal was to wander off but my older one loved it.
The class starts in the Dry Dock with some songs. You then work your way up through the ship, learning interesting facts, playing games and listening to a story.
The class is on Wednesdays and lasts about an hour so really is a bargain for £5! Booking is required and you can do that HERE.
Extra Tip: If you’re a member of the Royal Greenwich Museums, this class is free!
Thank you so much for reading our guide to the Cutty Sark with little kids. I hope we’ve helped you plan your trip!
We’ve been living in London for nearly 6 months now. We’ve written lots more family-friendly city guides!
READ ALL OUR LONDON GUIDES HERE.
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Happy Exploring,
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